Can genetic research motivate parents to pursue genomic testing for children with autism spectrum disorder?

Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA.

Abstract

Advanced genomic tests such as Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (CMA) have been clinically offered to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD). However, the actual utilization of these tests is low among parents of children with ASD. The aim of this study is to examine the association between parental perceptions regarding autism research and their intention to take their children to undergo recommended genomic tests. We conducted a web-based survey using a community strategy in Eastern North Carolina among parents of children with ASD. Our final sample constituted 204 parents. The majority were mothers, married and Caucasian. Parents’ test intention was high among this sample, and those desiring to help and expressing favorable perceptions toward ASD genetic research were more likely to test. Our findings suggest a link between parental attitudes towards genetic research and their decision to test a child with ASD. This study can influence patient education approaches of health professionals in counseling parental genetic testing decision, as well as informing policy creation about access and outreach for parents toward ASD research.